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Cozy Brown Sugar Bourbon Glazed Salmon: Easy 30-Min Recipe

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A happy accident turned into the most-requested recipe: salmon fillets glazed with a sticky, sweet-savory mixture of brown sugar, bourbon, and butter, grilled to perfection in just 30 minutes. It’s comfort food reimagined—faster, easier, but with the same soul-soothing satisfaction.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 cup dark brown sugar, packed
  • 1/4 cup bourbon
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 4 salmon fillets (6 ounces each)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Fresh lemon wedges for serving
  • Fresh parsley or chives, chopped (optional for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Make the glaze: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine dark brown sugar, bourbon, butter, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and cayenne pepper. Whisk until butter melts and sugar dissolves. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and set aside.
  2. Prepare the salmon: Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper. Let sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes.
  3. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (375-400°F). Brush grates with olive oil to prevent sticking.
  4. Place salmon fillets on the grill, skin-side down. Close lid and cook for 4-5 minutes without moving.
  5. Brush a generous layer of glaze onto the top of each fillet. Carefully flip salmon using tongs. Baste the other side with more glaze. Cook for another 3-4 minutes.
  6. Flip salmon one more time (back to skin-side down) and brush on a final layer of glaze. Cook for 1-2 more minutes until glaze is sticky and caramelized.
  7. Check for doneness: Salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and internal temperature reaches 125°F for medium or 130°F for well-done. For best results, remove at 120°F and let rest.
  8. Transfer salmon to a serving platter and let rest for 2-3 minutes. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top, garnish with parsley or chives if desired, and serve immediately.

Notes

Don’t rush the glaze—let it simmer 3-4 minutes to thicken. Watch the sugar; brown sugar burns quickly if heat is too high. Oil grill grates well to prevent sticking. Use an instant-read thermometer for consistent results. Leftover salmon keeps in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet with a splash of water or broth, or in an air fryer at 300°F for 3-4 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: brown sugar bourbon glazed salmon, grilled salmon, easy salmon recipe, 30-minute meal, weeknight dinner, comfort food, gluten-free option

Find it online: https://prismtaste.com/cozy-brown-sugar-bourbon-glazed-salmon-easy-30-min-recipe/